FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensively, the Falcons played much of their first-string front seven, or at least rotational players, throughout the first half. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.

— Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

My Daughter is a Zombie is a prime example of the importance of that relationship with fans.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
Other prime spots include the south side of 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue and the entire stretch of Sixth Avenue between 38th and 59th.

— Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

Some of the production’s strongest moments feature this sort of tricky tonal pivot, as when a punkish gamer (a terrific Wren Rivera) is unveiled as the gleeful consultant who selects organ recipients using an algorithm.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
At the center is a terrific vocal performance by Hader, who captures the spirit of a Cat in the Hat for a new generation.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Lloyd and Verlaine’s stellar guitar work anchored Television’s seminal debut, Marquee Moon, which was released in 1977.

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2026
Referee David Smith has a less-than-stellar reputation among SEC fans, and the decisions from his crew Saturday won’t help matters.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

Those hiding from family this Thanksgiving can take solace in a cornucopia of superb TV offerings.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 6 Nov. 2026
Throughout, there’s a lingering sadness, which is properly explored in a superb episode made up of a trifecta of flashbacks, and his dour constitution still pairs perfectly with Helen’s reassuring nature.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin's one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin’s one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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Style

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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